Garmin adds Training Load Ratio and Chronic Load

[caption id="attachment_79256" align="aligncenter" width="473"] Garmin Chronic Load (Currently Ill)[/caption] Garmin to add Training Load Ratio and Chronic Load The Garmin Forerunner 965 Review is now live The Garmin Forerunner 965 will debut the new Load Ratio metric upon its release on Tuesday, 14 March. Development is seemingly complete, as users with supported devices can now view Chronic Load alongside Acute Load in the Garmin Connect app. First Up - What's New While Acute Load and Chronic Load have been part of Garmin algorithms for some time, Chronic Load is now visible in the app for the first time. These established metrics are widely used across various athletic platforms to monitor training progression. What Is Chronic Load (CTL)? Chronic Load (CTL) represents the long-term impact of your training. Ideally, this should increase at a rate your body can tolerate. It serves as a measure of fitness and "fitness fatigue," which can be influenced by short-term activities. The impact of these short-term efforts is measured by your Acute Training Load (ATL). The calculation is typically based on time spent in heart rate zones using HR TRIMP, although Garmin uses an EPOC-based method: Acute Training Load (ATL) is a 7-day or 15-day moving average of HR TRIMP/EPOC. Chronic Training Load (CTL) is often a 42-day moving average of HR TRIMP/EPOC. These timeframes align with sports science principles dating back to the 1970s. Typically, subtracting one from the other determines "form"; a positive result suggests the athlete is in a prime state to perform. What is Garmin's New Load Ratio? Garmin's Load Ratio (LR) is based on Firstbeat's Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR). This metric uses a traffic light system to indicate training safety and effectiveness. [caption id="attachment_41252" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Image|Firstbeat.com[/caption] The Acute vs. Chronic Training Load ratio is colour-coded: Green (Optimal): Ratio of 0.8–1.3. This is the "sweet spot" where injury risk is minimised. Yellow (Moderate): Increasing load. Red (High Risk): A ratio >1.5 is the danger zone, while >1.8 indicates significant injury risk. Load ratio compares your short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) training load. Train with your watch for two weeks to see your ratio. Training load is a measurement of effort calculated from recent exercise load scores, accounting for duration and intensity. [Garmin] Take Out & Thoughts This is a valuable addition for athletes to consider alongside HRV data and perceived exertion. While not a new concept in sports science, Garmin is likely launching it now to coincide with the AMOLED screens of the Forerunner 965 and 265. Garmin will also introduce wrist-based running dynamics metrics simultaneously. If your device currently supports Acute Load, it is highly probable you will receive Chronic Load and the Load Ratio/ACWR update.